The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is celebrating their 35th Anniversary. The CEE is a local nonprofit specializing in the reduction of waste energy for homeowners, businesses, government and non-profit agencies. They will be hosting a forum: The Future of Energy Regulation in Minnesota | Policy Opportunities and Innovations

President and CEO of Xcel Energy, Ben Fowke, will be interviewed followed by a discussion with state energy policy experts.

Jill Daveneport, manager of purchasing and central services, shared in a January 16 A-mail the good news that staff who order office supplies have collaborated to support Augsburg College’s commitment to be “Green by 2019.” The cross-departmental group will receive orders only twice a week rather than the current five days per week, reducing the number of trips that the delivery truck makes to our campus. This change will go into effect February 2. Please check in with the colleague in your area who is in charge of ordering supplies if you have questions. Thank you to this group for their good work and for their support of College priorities.

International Business Times consulted with several climate change researchers including Augsburg’s mathematics and environmental studies professor, John Zobitz. He shares his insights into the recent record-breaking snowstorm in the Buffalo, New York area and why it’s been so cold and snowy in the U.S. in general this November. Is it due to climate change/global warming? That’s a controversial question but read the article and find out what Zobitz had to say along with the other researchers.

The holiday season is right around the corner. Well, to be honest- it’s pretty much here already. Why not be eco-friendly in your gift giving this holiday season? The Green Gifts Fair is the perfect place to do just that. This Saturday, November 22nd, the Green Gifts Fair will be taking place at the Midtown Global Market from 10a-5p. Get some of your holiday shopping done early, find some unique gifts and support the local community. Over 80 local artists and retailers will be selling their environmentally friendly goods.

While you’re there, sample some food and pick up the new 2015 Do It Green Directory listing green organizations in Minnesota. And one more thing – you can download a Metro Transit Pass for a FREE ride this week. Bonus!

How Can We Connect Children to the Natural World?

The University of Minnesota is hosting the Frontiers in the Environment Series. This week’s discussion addresses how to connect children with nature. Most would probably agree that technology has created a lot of conveniences but it’s also created a lot of distraction. Video games, movies and TV shows are accessible literally in the palm of your hand, not to mention just internet surfing in general and the distraction of social networking sites. Many children spend more time glued to a glowing screen than outside interacting with their environment and with nature. So how do we break through those distractions? How do they impact our future and change the way children see and interact with the world? Cathy Jordan, Associate Professor and Doctor in Clinical Psychology, will share her insights into these questions.

It’s been posted all over campus and online but here’s another reminder. The first screening of the Native American Film Series is tonight. Yes, that’s right. TONIGHT. The 2014-15 season will focus on environmental issues and climate change from the perspective of various indigenous groups.

Tonight’s event will feature Listening for the Rain: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Change. A discussion will follow after the screening with the filmmakers, Jeff Palmer (Kiowa), Filoteo Gomez Martinez (Ayuuk) and sociologist, Sonia Davila-Poblete. Wish you had a little more information? Well, then read about the filmmakers and check out the trailer.

This weekend, see second-hand items turned into art at the Grain Belt Bottling House. Yes, artwork can have a sustainable emphasis – without using twigs, bark and pine cones. Although, there’s nothing wrong with that either! Mary-Laurel True (director of community engagement) will be debuting her work as well. Come show your support, view some creative works and enjoy the tasty treats. This event is open to everyone!

If you’re interested in learning about sustainable business, you may want to attend the Net Impact Conference. Net Impact will be coming to the Twin Cities November 6th-8th.

But what is Net Impact? It is a non-profit organization that provides resources to empower emerging leaders for social change and building a more sustainable future. This should be a great networking opportunity for those looking to connect with like-minded people and discover what today’s business leaders are doing to become more sustainable. Check out their site to register and learn more about the various workshops, panels, programs and numerous other learning opportunities for students and professionals.

Don’t miss this month’s meeting on Wednesday, October 8th in OGC 100 at 12 noon. Minnesota Community Solar will be presenting solar options on campus. Tell us what you think about Augsburg going solar and which option you think is best. All faculty, students and staff are encouraged to view the presentation and join the conversation. We’d love to hear your feedback.

See our feature in the Echo! On September 9th we sponsored the annual Transportation Fair and revealed our brand new (and very high tech) bike fix-it station. This is just one of the many great things we have planned this year. Keep watching that Augsburg calendar and checking our blog for the latest environmental news and events on and around campus!